Published Elements of Criminal Complaint

The elements are arranged in categories to suggest a logical location within the
complaint.

It is recognized that the prosecutor may not have all of the information detailed in these
elements at the time of charging. Therefore, the elements have been categorized by
level of importance to indicate: 1) the degree of need; 2) the purpose for which the court
needs each element; and 3) the time period by which the information should be
conveyed to the court if not done at charging. Elements listed as Mandatory for Case
Initiation are the minimum items required to initiate a case in MNCIS. Elements listed as
Mandatory for Case Disposition are pieces of information the court needs to complete
its record of the case and/or that the court has a statutory obligation to pass on to other
agencies following disposition. Elements listed as Important are pieces of information
that are important to the court’s or other agency’s record keeping as indicated.

Data Elements Level of Importance

Case Level Information
Defendant’s Name Mandatory for Case Initiation
Alias Name(s) Important (to assist BCA in compiling a complete
record of criminal history)
Date of Birth Mandatory for Case Disposition
Alias Date(s) of Birth Important (to assist BCA in compiling a complete
record of criminal history)
Defendant’s Address Important (for additional identifying information,
and for the court and other agencies to use in
contacting defendant)
Indication that Complaint has been amended (if Mandatory for Case Processing
applicable)
Prosecutor’s File Number Important for cross-referencing purposes
SID – State Identification Number Important (to assist BCA in compiling a complete
record of criminal history)
Fingerprint Status Important (to assist court in fulfilling its statutory
obligation to order fingerprinting and
photographing if not already done)
Per Count Information:
Count Number Mandatory for Case Initiation
Statute Type Mandatory for Case Initiation
Offense Date (single date or range of dates) Mandatory for Case Initiation
Statute Number and Text Description Mandatory for Case Initiation
Offense Level Mandatory for Case Initiation
Controlling Agencies Mandatory for Case Disposition for Felonies,
Gross Misdemeanors, and Targeted
Misdemeanors
Control Numbers
Control Function (Arresting Agency, Booking
Agency)
Case Specific Factual Information:
Driver’s License Number
Plate Number
Alcohol Concentration (if a DWI)
Mandatory for Case Disposition for Felonies,
Gross Misdemeanors, and Targeted
Misdemeanors
Important (to assist BCA in matching up
controlling agencies and control numbers)
Important (when required for DPS certification)
Important (when required for DPS certification)
Important (when required for DPS certification)